The Panola Playhouse launches a fund-raising drive today to expand, renovate and modernize the historic theater building on Main Street in Sardis.

Playhouse representatives Tom Womble and Dan Lehman will be interviewed on WBLE Country 101 Radio this morning during the Lee and Rip Show that airs from 6 to 7:30 a.m.

Tonight the Playhouse opens at 7 p.m. a two-weekend run of Disney’s Aladdin Jr.

The Playhouse board of directors seek to raise funds that will allow the theater to incorporate the building adjacent to the existing facility to allow larger restrooms, dressing rooms, scene construction and other theater logistics.

“Our goal is at least $300,000,” said Rogers Smith, Panola Playhouse co-executive director. This is something that we’ve been looking forward to for years.  “With recent growth, we’re just busting at the seams,” Smith continued. “This is something that will help with the revitalization with Sardis Main Street.”

The architect’s concept sketch shows a wrought iron balcony that will extend across both building fronts with access from an exterior stairway and from the theater annex.

“It will be a tremendous addition to Sardis and Panola County,” said Womble, a veteran actor in Playhouse productions. “It’s amazing, some of the productions we’ve put on,” Womble said.

The Panola Playhouse is the second oldest community theater in the state.  It was founded in 1962 and has operated continuously in its original building, an old movie theater.  Womble said that the 2013 presentation of Les Miserables was the first for any community theater in the southeast.

Desiree Albonetti will direct Aladdin Jr. Father Knows Best, directed by Wesley Willliamson, will follow,

May 8-17.  West Side Story will be this year’s summer show. My Fair Lady will complete the 2015 season, Dec. 11-20.

“This generation needs entertainment in the arts,” said Womble, who cited the regional attraction of Productions both to audiences and actors.

“I’m hoping that this will help the people of Batesville and Panola County realize what a gem we have,” Womble said.